Between Heaven & the Real World

My Story

By: Steven Curtis Chapman, Ken Abraham

Narrated by: Paul Michael

Length: 11 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

For decades, Steven Curtis Chapman's music and message have brought hope and inspiration to millions around the world. Now, for the first time, Steven openly shares the experiences that have shaped him, his faith, and his music in a life that has included incredible highs and faith-shaking lows. Listeners will be captivated by this exclusive look into Steven's childhood and challenging family dynamic growing up, how that led to music and early days on the road, his wild ride to the top of the charts, his relationship with wife Mary Beth, and the growth of their family through births and adoptions.

In addition to inside stories from his days of youth to his notable career, including the background to some of his best-loved songs, listeners will walk with Steven down the devastating road of loss after the tragic death of five-year-old daughter Maria. And they'll experience his return to the stage after doubting he could ever sing again.

Poignant, gut-wrenchingly honest, yet always hopeful, Steven offers no sugary solutions to life's toughest questions. Yet out of the brokenness, he continues to trust God to one day fix what is unfixable in this life. This backstage look at the down-to-earth superstar they've come to love will touch fans' lives and fill their hearts with hope.

©2017 eChristian (P)2017 eChristian

very powerful

moves fast and is enjoyable to listen too. my wife and I met Steven in Maui at a Lovesong couple's getaway. I am incredibled moved by your life story. There is an enemy and my wife and I are not it. thank you for your obedience.

Powerful story

A powerful story and a great example of God walking through our darkest hours right beside us and leading us into his great promises for our lives.

Out of this world!!

Having only heard the story through the headlines listening to it has been a blessing. You never know the true side of grief until it happens to you. The story of how Steven came to fame, established a family, helped China better their childcare system and every aspect of his life is heartwarming. Sharing your heartache isn't easy. Losing a child is an experience all in it's own. Having personally struggled with the same grief after miscarrying at 12 weeks my heart goes out to anyone who has been through the same. I can't imagine what it's like to have a child in your life and to lose them in an instant. Your faith and struggles with it were awe inspiring. Such a fantastic story.

Love this Chapman family

The narrator sounded so much like Steven that I kept having to remind myself that it wasnt him. This made the story feel like SCC was telling me his story personaly.
I have been a follower of his music since the early years and to hear about his and Mary Beths lives together was like being close to them.
I am grateful they both shared their story and opened up their personal journey with us.
It definitely ministered to my life and encouraged me to hold on to Jesus .
I also recommend you read Mary Beths book "SEE"
I enjoyed hearing also how SSC musical career grew. Behind the seens .
One of my favorite parts of the story was when they tear down the house and rebuild. It made me so happy for Mary Beth. I could envision Mary Beth finally being healed and able to go foward in life.
I wouldn't have wanted to leave the property either. It would have felt like leaving Maria.

So Honest and True

Five months ago we lost two of our children in an accident. I searched out this book remembering that the Chapman family has walked this road of tragedy and hoping to find someone who really understood our pain. The chapters (27-36) covering the accident, the emergency room, the funeral, the days/ months to follow, all of 'the first'...brought tons of tears, truth and hope. It was as if Steven Curtis Chapman put into words exactly how we are feeling. He put into words what I know about God’s faithful and our longing for Heaven. It was comforting hearing how they took one slow hard step forward. It gives me hope that through God’s strength somehow someway WE WILL be able to eventually move forward also. The author was honest throughout his entire story and I could relate with much of his journey. As a youth I was first introduced to Steven Curtis Chapman’s music. As an 18 and 22 year old, my husband and I chose the song ‘I Will Be Here’ to be sung at our wedding. Our daughter during her dress up stage used to dance to the song ‘Cinderella’ with her Papa/Daddy. Now on our twentieth wedding anniversary, after much heartbreak, this book ‘Between Heaven and the Real World’ and the song ‘Together’ resonates with us as well. Steven Curtis Chapman has the ability to put into words issues of the heart. His song lyrics have touched our hearts throughout the years and now his book has as well.